Adult Forensics
OVERVIEW
The role of psychology in the legal system is both diverse and expansive. In addition,
new and/or emerging application areas are being discovered all the time. The adult
forensic field is one domain where this particular focus is appreciable. The adult
forensic arena encompasses all facets of criminal adjudication, from the pretrial stage
to the postconviction phase, where psychology's role in the court process is evident,
necessary, and, ultimately, impactful.
In this chapter, six controversies are explored. These topics include (1) plea
bargaining, (2) competency to stand trial, (3) jury selection, (4) psychological tests
and forensic evaluation instruments, (5) risk assessment, and (6) forensic verdicts.
Individually, these controversies demonstrate the breath of specialized roles that exist
for forensic psychologists in the court system. Collectively, the issues explored in
this chapter explain where and how the adult forensic field routinely relies upon the
psychological sciences to inform effective legal practice and sound judicial decision
making.
The plea bargaining process is a key dimension to the criminal prosecution
of a defendant. How does personal fear and prosecutorial coercion impact the
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